The 298 S is a stylish and functional bowrider with exceptional interior space. She features overnighting accommodation with a mid-cabin and head.

Key Features

The biggest feature on this boat would be its sleeping accommodations. She offers a mid-cabin with Bomar hatch for ventilation and a head with sink and showerhead. There’s plenty of seating space for all your guests and they will enjoy the comfortable ride that the 298 has to offer. She has a good-sized cockpit with a comfortable aft bench seat which easily folds down and creates a large sun pad. And when you feel like having drink the wet bar is within easy reach of everyone. The walk-through transom door has a latch for extra safety and is also a nice feature when you have little ones aboard.

Specifications

Monterey 298 S Bowrider Specifications

Length Overall

31' 10''

Dry Weight

8,000 lbs

Beam

9' 6''

Tested Weight

N/A

Draft

Up-21'', Down-37''

Fuel Cap

142 gal.

Deadrise/Transom

22 deg.

Water Cap

17 gal.

Max Headroom

~

Bridge Clearance

5' 6''

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

Monterey 298 S Bowrider Captain's Report

Monterey's 298S Gives You The Best of Both Worlds

The 298S Bowrider by Monterey almost deserves being in a class by itself. It has taken styling and functionality to a new level, by incorporating a spacious interior design that includes a mid-cabin double berth and a large head with shower. The unique design allows walk-through access to the stern swim platform, without sacrificing the popular sun deck area. If you tend to think of bowriders as “station wagons” on the water, you haven’t seen the 298S. She’s got more cockpit room than most boats, due to her large seating area in the bow, yet maintains her sporty appearance and good looks.

On Deck

As we take a walk through of the 298S, we find a molded bow pulpit with anchor roller and storage. Pull up cleats throughout the boat help contribute to its sleek styling. An insulated cooler is conveniently located under the center cushion, and will be greatly appreciated by those who like the excitement of sitting up in the bow area. While facing forward, your passengers will experience the ultimate in comfort with comfortable contoured seating. The walk-through windshield features a folding windscreen, which does a great job shielding the cockpit from wind during higher speed runs.

Behind the mid-cabin is the large contoured passenger seat, which is orientated toward the stern. Although this seemed unusual at first, it makes for easy viewing of water skiers or wake boarders. The seat is long enough to stretch out your legs, and includes an arm rest and grab handle for when it gets a little rough out on the water. Should your passenger desire a forward view while underway, the double wide helm seat provides plenty of room for two, and has an easy to fold up option that allows you to either stand, or sit up higher.

Below Deck

Probably the most amazing design feature is the incorporation of the mid-cabin located forward of, and under the passenger seat. No longer do you have to compromise between having the sleeping accommodations of a cuddy cabin, or the spaciousness and functionality of a bowrider. With the Monterey 298S, you can have both.

Down below the lockable enclosed fiberglass head features a standard sink with faucet and showerhead. Directly across from the head you’ll find the mid-cabin berth, complete with a nice Bomar hatch. You’ll also find the optional TV/VCR combo, microwave, and premium Sony 12 CD stereo system.

At The Controls

The euro-style dash is as tasteful as it gets, with the faria gauges very logically laid out and easy to read. An in-dash Humminbird depth sounder is standard, as is the 5-position tilt steering wheel. Another nice feature is the optional remote control pad that can be located both at the helm, and near the foredeck sun pad. This allows remote control of all stereo functions, while the unit itself sits safely in the mid-cabin.

The back-to-back captain’s seat slides out to create a nice wide sunning surface. The comfortable aft bench seat flips down to create additional surface area on the main sun deck, allowing for some serious sun worshiping on the 298S. Thirsty? The wet bar has a sink, storage, and room for an optional refrigerator.

The Engine

The transom walk-through has a latchable door to keep children or pets safe. There’s an optional hot or cold transom shower that works with the standard pressurized water system, and the foredeck swim platform and integral swim ladder are also standard on the 298S. Access to the engine compartment is a breeze with the electric hatch. There you’ll find ample access to the twin stern drives. The 298S calls for a maximum power plant of twin 300-hp engines; however, our test boat was equipped with twin 260-hp 5.7-liter MerCruisers. These engines provided plenty of zip, and sounded fantastic when selecting the thru hull exhaust via the optional Quick & Quiet exhaust system.

This instant change in personality will turn plenty of heads, and transforms the 298S from a comfortable day cruiser to a serious offshore sport boat. The 22 degrees of deadrise cut through the rough water with ease. Although our top speed with the MerCruisers and Bravo Three drives was in the high 50’s, we were told by company executives that the top end speed can exceed 60 mph when equipped with Volvo Pentas.

Functional Layout

Monterey has clearly taken a major step forward in styling and functionality with the 298S. They also offer the 298S in a closed deck version, providing additional sleeping accommodations and an enclosed galley. Monterey is known for having impeccable fit and finish, and offers a premium product for a price below some of their competition. You’ll love the stylish 298S by Monterey – it’s fun, functional, and fast!

For more information visit www.montereyboats.com.

Monterey 298 S Bowrider Test Result Highlights

Best cruise for the Monterey 298 S Bowrider is 30.3 mph (48.8 kph), and the boat gets 2.02 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.86 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 258 miles (415.21 kilometers).

Monterey 298 S Bowrider Warranty

Monterey 298 S Bowrider Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.

Full Warranty Information on this brand coming soon!

Monterey 298 S Bowrider Price

Monterey 298 S Bowrider Price

Pricing Range

$96,062.00

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.